South Tangerang rises as alternative to Jakarta for mega Chinese events

ICE in BSD City (photo credit: Facebook/IndonesiaConventionExhibition)

South Tangerang, a city neighbouring Jakarta, could be an up-and-coming destination for big Chinese events, with industry players highlighting its proximity to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport and Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) – the country’s biggest venue – as selling points.

Ryan Adrian, president director Indonesia International Expo (holding company of ICE) shared that the 19th Teochew International Federation Convention held at ICE in October 2017, with some 5,000 participants, was the biggest event from China so far. He is eyeing another big Chinese event in 2020.

ICE in BSD City (photo credit: Facebook/IndonesiaConventionExhibition)

ICE, located in BSD City, boasts 10 exhibition halls, a 50,000m2 outdoor exhibition space, a 4,000m2 convention hall divisible into four, 33 meeting rooms and a 12,000m2 pre-function lobby.

The Indonesia Industrial Event Council said 25 per cent of member events in 2018 were held in collaboration with a China business partner or originated from China.

Irvan Mahidin, the council’s vice chairman, said target growth for 2019 was 40 per cent, with opportunities in the agriculture and raw materials industries.

Mahidin added South Tangerang was accessible by toll road from Jakarta and Bandung – in about 30 minutes – and exhibitors can easily transport goods from the airport or seaport to the hall.

“The local government is very cooperative in helping organisers, ranging from immigration to customs and taxation,” Mahidin said, adding that he hopes to convince exhibition organisers, especially from China, to relocate their events from the capital.

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